January Review ~ Sew & Tell - 2/2/26

The first chapter of 2026 is complete, and we are beginning the new chapter we call February.  It is the shortest chapter of the year... though, sometimes, it can feel like the longest. 

I'll be reviewing all that I did during the writing of that first chapter.  But first, let's take a look at the featured quilter from last week's party.  You all kept me really hopping all week!  There were 32 links shared!  I think this was the largest party I've hosted.  Thanks!  I am thrilled (and honored) that so many of you are willing to share updates, progress, finishes and personal thoughts and comments.  I feel that I've come to know many of you on a more personal level through your comments and blogs.  I love hearing about how you made decisions on pattern choices and options, color selection in addition to hearing bits here and there about your personal lives. 

With each link, I feel like I'm sitting across the table with you enjoying a cup of tea or glass of lemonade and perhaps a "crumpet" (as my grandma called any sweet treat or cookie).  Joy at Days Filled with Joy has been busy filling her design wall with some blocks for a quilt for her husband that is intended for their caravan.  While many here in the US are dealing with the polar vortex, she is down under in the middle of a heatwave.  If you like any of these blocks and have an interest in the patterns, she includes the links for the patterns.

Now, on to my January summary... 

I completed two quilts - The Vintage Rose quilt and Caroline (the second Little House Sampler quilt).  I also announced the beginning of the Little House Sew Along.  Details for that can be found HERE.

I made six blocks for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge - 3 positive and 3 negative Scrappy Wonky Stars.  I am ready to begin a new color, which is going to be green.  My neutral bin of scraps has expanded since I finished "Caroline" for the sew along so I think that making the negative blocks will not be much of an issue. :)

I listened to 8 books and have pieced 8 Bookish Journal blocks.

And I wrote up the tutorial on how to make a NPS shirt using a reverse applique technique.

January was a fun chapter...  I've enjoyed the slower pace and managed to get 2 years' worth of photos & memories in a photo album.  I'm ready to tackle 2021 and part of 2022. I even pulled out a few photos from a calendar that I saved to do paper embroidery.  I have them tucked away for now.  I will pass on as a small gift to friends or rotate the few that I have framed an on the walls with the seasons. :)  

I look forward to the second chapter of the year and am confident that the "Shalom" - the wholeness and completeness and state of nothing being broken or missing, well-being, harmony and prosperity - will continue in our lives.  

We are coming up on the 1-year mark of the fiasco centered around the baptism of our granddaughters and the separation/chasm in our family that resulted.  It's been too long since we saw and hugged them.  We did see our (step)grandson at a basketball game in December.  It was wonderful to love on and hug on him and his mom was so appreciative of the support we showed him.  

If my calendar calculations are correct, he should be with his dad and our daughter on the 7th as we plan to go watch another of his games.  Since it is a weekend that he's with our daughter, the girls may be in attendance of the game as well.  We've missed them all deeply.  Prayers appreciated!

We visited a local thrift shop recently and this panel called out to me.  It was a little like the Marco Polo game... Marco!  Polo!  As I took it off the hanger it was on, it got louder... "Take. Me. Home!"  I obliged... I have no idea what I will make.  But I'm open to suggestions!

Leave a comment... 

Time to go... I have green scraps calling out to me.  I need to set them FREE!!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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